Did you find what you were looking for?

Find what you were looking for?

Help us improve AI search results by giving yourfeedback.

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, confirmed the appointment of Ireland's first Defence Attachés to France, the United Kingdom and the United States, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Ireland's international defence engagement.

The three Defence Forces officers are expected to take up their appointments this autumn and will become part of Ireland's diplomatic missions in Paris, London and Washington DC, helping deepen defence co-operation with three of Ireland's closest strategic partners.

The appointments deliver on a key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which called for the immediate establishment of a Defence Attaché network to strengthen international liaison and military-to-military engagement.

As part of their role, the attachés will support defence diplomacy, build relationships with partner armed forces, enhance strategic engagement, and provide advice on defence and security matters, while working closely with Ireland's diplomatic network overseas.

Following the Government's earlier approval for the establishment of a Defence Attaché network, with Ireland's bilateral embassies in Paris, London and Washington DC chosen considering their strategic importance, this is a significant step in having that network in place later this year.

"This is an important moment in Irish Defence diplomacy. I am confident that those appointed will bring significant added value to their roles and that, as an integral part of the Irish diplomatic network, the new Defence Attaché network delivers benefits for the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They will also be valuable additions to the diplomatic missions in which they will be based.

I warmly welcome the appointment of Ireland’s first Defence Attachés to France, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their appointment marks an important milestone in the continued development of the Defence Forces.

“Working directly with our Ambassadors and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and supporting the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence, the new Attachés will strengthen collaboration across Ireland’s diplomatic network and play a vital role in fostering co-operation, enhancing mutual understanding, and advancing Ireland’s defence and security interests overseas.

“I have every confidence they will represent the Defence Forces and the State with distinction while building enduring relationships that will benefit Ireland’s defence capabilities for years to come.